5.7 RIS3 open data tool

5.7 RIS3 open data tool

This method aims to develop a tool to facilitate the use of open data related to projects. This would be in the form of a data repository that enables the tracking of projects and initiatives implemented in each region.

Open data tools are currently not widely used in non-publicly funded projects. However, their use would facilitate tracking project themes and topics to find how well they match with S3. This data could be valuable in tracking progress towards objectives and informing the RIS3 update.

Description of the method

The method entails the setting up an Open Data Platform accessible through as a web service or through a website such that it enables up-to-date data from on regional projects and their results. The ODP will have full accessibility through published APIs (application programming interface), which will provide functions to access the Open Data Platform, and will allow the inclusion of both structured and unstructured data such as data that may be available through individual project websites and progress reports as well as results through RIS3 innovation maps (see the description of method 5.6).

Usability and impact

This tool will be usable by regions to track the progress towards their objectives and vision. This will impact the data analysis of method 5.6 RIS3 innovation maps and the data that is presented in them, as the open data tool will act as one of its data sources. This will provide data on the number of projects implemented and their linkage to their corresponding S3. This will aid in measuring progress against the vision of the S3. It may also act as a useful tool for those taking part in the project as a means of tracking how well they have progressed.

Required data

Various types of data will be needed about RIS3 projects to create a generic model that can be used to represent each project, while not being so general that it loses its specificity to each project. Further information will be needed about the linkage between each project and the corresponding S3 priority to be supported by the objectives of the project.

Relevant data sources

Regional S3 Project Websites

Regional S3 Project Progress Review Report

Regional Innovation Maps

Implementation roadmap

The first step of implementing this method is to establish a uniform object data model as a class to represent the relevant project data. This would set out the ontology and metadata structure to enable the semantic indexing and retrieval of all types of data objects that could be sourced from a variety of sources such as individual project websites, project progress reviews and RIS3 innovation maps.

The metadata descriptors will provide data on all aspects of the project such as the Call, the Title, Contract Reference Number, Precursor Projects, Objectives, budget, matched funding, sponsors etc.

Initial analysis of the exact form of the data types to be supported and access routes/modes required will determine the detail structure of the data repository and user access interfaces that would prove appropriate for the ODP.

The stakeholders to interact with the database. This could be via a website or via a web service.